Allegations of corruption in the Chittagong Cooperative Housing Society elections: demand for cancellation of results.
Serious irregularities have been alleged in the recent elections of The Chittagong Cooperative Housing Society Limited. The vice-president and treasurer candidates in the elections held on February 22 have raised questions about the transparency of the election process and results. They submitted two separate applications to the District Cooperative Officer on Tuesday (February 25).
Vice-president candidate Dr. Golam Quader Chowdhury has alleged that the elections were ‘illegal and flawed’. He has requested the seizure of all documents including the ballot papers of the elections, so that there is no hindrance in the fair investigation. He fears that otherwise the ballot papers and other important documents may be destroyed.
On the other hand, treasurer candidate Mohammad Shahidul Islam Chowdhury has applied for action under Section 50 of the Cooperatives Act. His complaint states: The names of deceased and ineligible persons have been included in the list, which is a clear violation of the rules.
There are allegations of violation of several sections of the Cooperatives Rules 2004. A special general meeting was not convened to approve the election results. In addition, ineligible candidates participated in the election. Voting was allowed at the polling station without verification of National Identity Card (NID).
There have been allegations of bias in the election. Complainant Mohammad Shahidul Islam Chowdhury claims that the opportunity to campaign for rival candidates was given at the polling station, which is a clear violation of the election code of conduct.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam Chowdhury also alleged vote rigging. He said that votes were cast through TIPS on the ballot envelopes, which called the election process into question.
Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, in his petition, demanded the cancellation of the results of the treasurer post and a re-election. He further alleged that he did not get any redress from the chairman of the election committee as various irregularities were observed during the election and counting.
In the application, Shahidul Islam Chowdhury has made the members of the selection committee and the interim management committee as respondents. In addition, the rival treasurer candidate Dr. Md. Tayyab Sikder has also been made a counter-defendant.
Regarding these allegations, Chittagong District Cooperative Officer Mosleh Uddin said, I have received the application. The matter will be investigated through legal process. If proven, necessary action will be taken.
Credit: Akuhey Potrika
